{"id":63854,"date":"2024-11-10T06:45:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-10T05:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.opreismetco.nl\/?p=63854"},"modified":"2025-12-15T17:56:24","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T16:56:24","slug":"things-to-do-in-mccarthy-and-kennecott","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.opreismetco.nl\/en\/united-states\/things-to-do-in-mccarthy-and-kennecott\/","title":{"rendered":"10 things to do in McCarthy and Kennecott: go back in time in Alaska"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The historic mining towns of McCarthy and Kennecott are very interesting places to visit in Alaska. These are the best things to do in McCarthy and Kennecott.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

About McCarthy and Kennecott<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hidden deep in the heart of Alaska lies a special destination that will take you back in time: McCarthy and Kennecott. These two small settlements, surrounded by the rugged wilderness of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, offer a unique look at life in early Alaska.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

McCarthy and Kennecott (also spelled Kennicott, after the nearby Kennicott Glacier) are two former mining villages located in eastern Alaska. Kennecott was founded in 1900 after large amounts of copper were discovered in the nearby mountains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Kennicott<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The village quickly grew into a thriving mining community with its own hospital, stores, and even a streetcar line. McCarthy, about eight kilometers away, served as the transportation hub and recreation center for the miners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the mines closed in 1938, both villages fell into disrepair. Many buildings were abandoned and at the mercy of the elements. But being so remote, they are incredibly well preserved. That’s why McCarthy and Kennecott are now a popular tourist destination where you can learn about Alaska’s unique history and pristine nature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Kennicott<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to McCarthy and Kennecott?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The journey to McCarthy and Kennecott is an adventure in itself. To get to Kennecott, you must first travel to McCarthy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The journey to McCarthy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most common route to get to McCarthy is via the McCarthy Road, a dirt road of about 100 kilometers that begins in Chitina. You get to Chitina by taking the turnoff to Kenny Lake from the Richardson Highway and driving all the way down that road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Up to Chitina the road is paved, but this changes immediately when you leave the village. Some stretches are fine, but occasionally there is a stretch that is like a washboard or there are many loose stones. It is therefore advisable not to drive faster than 35 miles per hour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"McCarthy<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It is worth it, however, because the road itself is a sight to behold (more on that later). The McCarthy Road follows the old track of the Copper River and Northwestern Railway and winds through a spectacular landscape of high mountains, lakes, and rivers. Occasionally you catch a glimpse of the old railroad, of which only a few remnants now stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Old<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tip: If you’re not comfortable (or aren’t allowed by the rental agency) to drive the McCarthy Road, some shuttles can take you to McCarthy. These start in Glennallen and stop frequently along the way, including in Chitina. Check this website<\/a> for more information. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shuttle from McCarthy to Kennecott<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You’re in McCarthy! But then you have to go a little way to Kennecott. You can’t drive your (rental) car into McCarthy, so you have to park it in front of the river. This can be done at several places (for example, Base Camp Kennicott at the end of McCarthy Road) and costs about $12 per day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Finally<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At the end of McCarthy Road is a pedestrian bridge. Across the bridge, you’ll find a bus stop. From here you can take a shuttle bus to Kennecott (or even to McCarthy if you don’t feel like walking 15 minutes to the village).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Co<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There is a schedule at the bus stop, but there may be more than one bus going to Kennecott. Basically, there’s a shuttle about every 45 minutes to one hour. This service costs $5 and you can pay cash with the driver. The ride to Kennecott takes 15 to 20 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Shuttle<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The best things to do in McCarthy & Kennecott<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What to see and to do in McCarthy and Kennecott? These are the best things to do in McCarthy and Kennecott.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore the streets McCarthy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

McCarthy is tiny and you can explore all the streets in an hour. On the main street you can still see several beautiful historic buildings that are great fun to look at (and also very photogenic). These buildings house several souvenir stores or cafes, so you can also take a look inside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"McCarthy<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"McCarthy<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the buildings you can occasionally see remnants of the old days that have not been renovated, such as old cars that clearly will never drive again. Extraordinary remnants of a bygone past. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Old<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Explore historic Kennecott<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While you’re in McCarthy, of course, you have to check out the historic Kennecott Mines. You’re in the large Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and therefore it has a National Park Service visitor center. Here you can get information about the mines and the town, and several hiking trails in the area. You can even buy some souvenirs, and get a stamp for your National Park passport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Kennecott<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Good to know: the visitor center is open from Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) through Labor Day (the first Monday in September). Find more information here<\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Kennecott itself, several buildings have been restored where you can take a look. One of the largest is the old general store, here you can also watch films about former life in the mining town. Also nice to see are the small train station, a house of one of the workers and the superintendent’s house. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"General<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Good to know: the largest and most striking structure in the town is the 14-story Concentration Mill. You can visit it only with a guided tour. Book your tour here<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore the surroundings on a hike<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are several scenic hiking trails in the Kennecott area, from short, relatively easy hikes to tough hikes with a substantial climb. There are three trails to various mines in the mountains: <\/p>\n\n\n\n